Dublin
Dublin's most photographed drinks aren't on any menu — they're in the rooms with the right windows. The bars with a view on this list span every neighbourhood worth a trip — the central districts all show up — and every price tier from a $5 local pour to a $25 hotel-bar tasting. Each bar earns its spot for a different reason. We have visited every one.
NORTH WALL QUAY · $$$ · ROOFTOP BARS
The Mayson Rooftop draws a steady local crowd in North Wall Quay. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening. Order: the bar's house signature. Best time: Tuesday and Wednesday before 9pm, when the regulars haven't filled the room yet. Best for sunset drinks or a slow first date. Saturday after 10pm gets crowded — book ahead or arrive early.
SAINT STEPHEN'S GREEN · $$$ · ROOFTOP BARS
The Dean Sophie's Rooftop draws a steady local crowd in Saint Stephen's Green. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early. Order: the bar's house signature. Best time: any weeknight between 7pm and 9pm, when the bar settles into its rhythm and the bartender has time to talk. Best for sunset drinks or a slow first date. Friday from 8pm fills up; reserve a counter seat or a high table.
SAINT STEPHEN'S GREEN · $$$ · ROOFTOP BARS
Sophie's Rooftop draws a steady local crowd in Saint Stephen's Green. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the e. Order: the bar's house signature. Best time: Sunday from 6pm, when it's the room's quietest premium night and the kitchen is unhurried. Best for sunset drinks or a slow first date. Avoid post-match nights if the local team is playing — the upstairs gets loud.
SAINT STEPHEN'S GREEN · $$$ · ROOFTOP BARS
The Grafton Hotel Garden Bar draws a steady local crowd in Saint Stephen's Green. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early i. Order: the bar's house signature. Best time: Thursday late or Friday early, when you'll catch the room building toward its weekend tempo. Best for sunset drinks or a slow first date. First-Friday traffic in the district can mean a 20-minute wait at the door.
GRAND CANAL DOCK · $$$ · ROOFTOP BARS
The Marker Platform Bar draws a steady local crowd in Grand Canal Dock. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening. Order: the bar's house signature. Best time: Tuesday and Wednesday before 9pm, when the regulars haven't filled the room yet. Best for sunset drinks or a slow first date. Saturday after 10pm gets crowded — book ahead or arrive early.
TEMPLE BAR · $$ · ROOFTOP BARS
Merchants Arch Roof Bar draws a steady local crowd in Temple Bar. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening. Order: the bar's house signature. Best time: any weeknight between 7pm and 9pm, when the bar settles into its rhythm and the bartender has time to talk. Best for sunset drinks or a slow first date. Friday from 8pm fills up; reserve a counter seat or a high table.
GRAND CANAL DOCK · $$$$ · ROOFTOP BARS
The Marker Rooftop Bar draws a steady local crowd in Grand Canal Dock. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening. Order: the bar's house signature. Best time: Sunday from 6pm, when it's the room's quietest premium night and the kitchen is unhurried. Best for sunset drinks or a slow first date. Avoid post-match nights if the local team is playing — the upstairs gets loud.
SAINT STEPHEN'S GREEN · $$$$ · COCKTAIL BARS
9 Below at The Stephen's Green Hibernian Club draws a steady local crowd in Saint Stephen's Green. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are us. Order: the bar's house signature. Best time: Thursday late or Friday early, when you'll catch the room building toward its weekend tempo. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. First-Friday traffic in the district can mean a 20-minute wait at the door.
THE PRESENT TENSE: NO NOSTALGIA PLAY · $ · COCKTAIL BARS
Anseo changes its craft selection regularly. Ask what is on and follow the recommendation. The bar team knows their stock and will steer you toward whatever is . Order: the bar's house signature. Best time: Tuesday and Wednesday before 9pm, when the regulars haven't filled the room yet. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. Saturday after 10pm gets crowded — book ahead or arrive early.
THE CENTRE · $$$ · COCKTAIL BARS
Bar Rua is Dawson Street's most precise classical cocktail bar — opened in 2022 by former Peruke & Periwig bartenders. The 24-seat counter bar is dimly lit with. Order: the bar's house signature. Best time: any weeknight between 7pm and 9pm, when the bar settles into its rhythm and the bartender has time to talk. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. Friday from 8pm fills up; reserve a counter seat or a high table.
Use this guide either as a single curated route through Dublin or as a checklist to revisit over a long weekend. Reservations are flagged where they matter. Otherwise, walk in. Below: the ten bars with a view that any serious drinker in Dublin would tell you to put on the list.
The Mayson Rooftop draws a steady local crowd in North Wall Quay. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening. Order: the bar's house signature. Best time: Tuesday and Wednesday before 9pm, when the regulars haven't filled the room yet. Best for sunset drinks or a slow first date. Saturday after 10pm gets crowded — book ahead or arrive early.
The Dean Sophie's Rooftop draws a steady local crowd in Saint Stephen's Green. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early. Order: the bar's house signature. Best time: any weeknight between 7pm and 9pm, when the bar settles into its rhythm and the bartender has time to talk. Best for sunset drinks or a slow first date. Friday from 8pm fills up; reserve a counter seat or a high table.
Looking beyond Dublin? See our guide to the best bars with a view worldwide, or compare bars with a view city by city.